Wall-mounted exhaust vents

ABSTRACT

Vent for a duct terminating proximate a wall of a structure including a first member adapted to be connectable to the wall in engagement with the duct and a second member connected to the first member and adapted to be arranged in front of the wall. The first and second members include a cooperating attachment arrangement which enables the second member to be rotatable relative to the first member and the second member to be engaged with the first member in a plurality of different axial positions. The attachment arrangement includes at least one circular ridge arranged on the first or second member and a plurality of parallel, separated ridges arranged on the other member. The second member itself can have one or more flaps mounted thereon or the second member can be a mounting bracket to which a cover member having one or more flaps mounted thereon is attached.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/798,059 filed Mar. 11, 2004, which is incorporated byreference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to vents for enabling a one-wayflow of air from a duct leading from an interior of a structure to alocation outside of the structure and more specifically to exhaust ventsfor mounting to an exterior wall of a structure to provide a one-wayflow of exhaust air from a vent member receiving the exhaust air from aclothes dryer to a location exterior of the structure.

The present invention also relates to self-leveling exhaust vents whichinclude one or more flaps which are rotatable to provide a horizontalaxis after connection of the vent to a structure.

The present invention also relates to general air flow vents whichprovide control over both the flow and direction of an air streamtherethrough.

The present invention also relates in general to air flow vents whichcan be positioned at a variable distance from the end of a duct to allowfor differences in the thickness of an exterior wall between the end ofthe duct and the outer surface of the exterior wall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The exhaust from a clothes dryer is typically routed to the outsideatmosphere by means of a flexible conduit and some type of vent. Theexit location from the corresponding structure is typically an outsidewall of the structure or a window panel with the glass pane removed. Theflexible conduit is secured to the exhaust conduit of the clothes dryerand then routed to the exit location and optionally connected to a rigidconduit. At the exit location, a flow opening or passageway is createdin the structure wall or window panel and a suitable vent is mountedinto, onto or across the exit flow opening.

In order to substantially prevent the inflow or backflow of outside air,as well as to prevent the entry of moisture which may be due to rain orsnow, exhaust vents of this type may be covered with a hood and ofteninclude a one-way or hinged flap or a series of hinged flaps securedwithin a surrounding frame.

When installing the exhaust vent, it is preferred that the flaps pivotabout horizontal axes. In this manner, the flaps will reliably return toa down state when the exhaust air flow through the vent ceases.Otherwise, if mounted in a different orientation, the flaps will notreliably and repeatedly close when the exhaust air flow ceases, i.e.,when the clothes dryer has completed the drying cycle.

Accordingly, installation of exhaust vents involves a leveling processwherein the flaps are mounted to pivot about horizontal axes.

It is often a problem to level exhaust vents since the flaps are fixedrelative to the portion of the exhaust vent mounted to the structure,e.g, a mounting flange. Thus, in order to ensure that the flaps willpivot about horizontal axes, care must be taken when attaching themounting flange to the structure. Often though, such care is notexercised and the exhaust vent must either be remounted or the flaps aremaintained in a non-ideal orientation.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide new and improvedvents for enabling a one-way flow of air from a duct leading from aninterior of a structure to a location outside of the structure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide new andimproved exhaust vents for mounting to an exterior wall of a structureto provide a one-way flow of exhaust air from a vent member receivingthe exhaust air from a clothes dryer to a location exterior of thestructure.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide exhaustvents which are self-leveling in that they can be leveled to cause oneor more flaps thereof to pivot about horizontal axes regardless of themanner and orientation in which the vents are attached to a structure.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide exhaustvents which can be positioned at a variable distance from the end of aduct to allow for differences in the thickness of an exterior wallbetween the end of the duct and the outer surface of the exterior wall.

Accordingly, to achieve these objects and others, a vent for a ductterminating proximate a wall of a structure in accordance with theinvention includes a first member adapted to be connectable to the wallin engagement with the duct and a second member connected to the firstmember and adapted to be arranged in front of the wall. The first andsecond members include a cooperating attachment arrangement whichenables the second member to be rotatable relative to the first memberand the second member to be engaged with the first member in a pluralityof different axial positions. The relative rotation feature isbeneficial because even though the first member is mounted to the wall,usually fixed to the wall, the second member is rotatable relativethereto and this relative rotation enables the orientation or pivot axisof one or more flaps coupled to the second member to be adjustable.Accordingly, the first member can be mounted to the wall without concernas to how the flap(s) will be oriented. This self-leveling featuregreatly simplifies the installation of the vent. The second feature isbeneficial as it allows for use of the vent for different thicknesses ofa wall situated around a connected portion of the first and secondmembers.

A cover member is optionally attached to a side of the second member,opposite a side connected to the first member, and covers any flapsconnected to the second member.

In one embodiment, the first member is a mounting flange having aduct-engaging portion and a substantially circular mating portion andthe second member includes a mating section. The attachment arrangementincludes a plurality of concentric, separated ridges on an outer surfaceof the mating portion of the mounting flange and at least one ridgearranged on the mating section of the second member and adapted toengage with the ridges on the mating portion of the mounting flange.Variations in the mating section are possible including arcuate wallsseparated from one another by slits and arranged along the circumferenceof a circle (with all, only some or only alternating ones of the arcuatewalls having ridges), and a single cylindrical wall having only a singleridge at a lower edge around the entire circumference of the cylindricalwall.

In some embodiments, the second member itself has one or more flapsmounted thereon and thus serves as a flap plate frame. In otherembodiments, the second member is a mounting bracket in which case, acover member is attached to the mounting bracket and includes openingsfor air flow from an interior of the cover member to an exterior of thecover member, and one or more flaps are mounted to the cover member. Thecover member is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket so that itcan be rotated to provide for the optimum orientation of the flap(s)(regardless of the manner in which the mounting bracket is attached tothe first member).

Another embodiment of a vent for a duct terminating proximate a wall ofa structure in accordance with the invention includes a first memberadapted to be connectable to the wall in engagement with the duct, asecond member rotatably connected to the first member and adapted to bearranged in front of the wall and at least one flap pivotally mounted tothe second member such that upon rotation of the second member relativeto the first member, a pivot axis of each flap is adjustable, e.g., toprovide a horizontal pivot axis. The flap or flaps cover an opening atthe end of the duct. In this manner, even though the first member ismounted to the wall, usually fixed to the wall, the second member isrotatable relative thereto and this relative rotation enables theorientation or pivot axis of the flap(s) to be adjustable. Accordingly,the first member can be mounted to the wall without concern as to howthe flap(s) will be oriented. This self-leveling feature greatlysimplifies the installation of the vent.

The first member may be a mounting flange including an attachmentmechanism for enabling its attachment to the wall and/or the duct. Forexample, the mounting flange may include an annular wall or portionwhich lies flush against the inner or outer surface of the wall andincludes holes through which screws can be drilled into the wall.Another attachment mechanism constitutes coaxial cylindrical wallsformed on a rear side of the mounting flange with a clearancetherebetween designed to snugly accommodate the terminal end of theduct.

The second member may be a trim flange which covers the mounting flangeand has decorative trim thereon. The trim flange may include aconnecting mechanism for rotatably connecting it to the mounting flange.For example, the connecting mechanism might be flexible snap fingersarranged on a substantially cylindrical wall of the trim flange toengage with a cylindrical wall of the mounting flange.

In another embodiment, the second member serves as a cover having adefined interior in which the flap(s) is/are situated and includesopenings for the air flow therethrough. Such a cover prevents smallanimals from entering into the duct through the vent when the flap(s)are open. The mounting flange may be connected to the cover member byflexible snap fingers arranged on a rim of the mounting flange to engagewith and secure a rim of the cover member. As the number of flaps isincreased (and the length of each flap is thereby reduced), it becomespossible to reduce the depth of the cover member.

Another embodiment of a vent for a duct terminating proximate a wall inaccordance with the invention includes a mounting flange adapted to beconnectable to the wall in engagement with the duct, a sleeve memberrotatably connected to the mounting flange, a lint grill connected tothe sleeve member and adapted to extend across the opening of the duct,a flap plate frame pressed against the wall by the sleeve member suchthat the flap plate frame is rotatable relative to the sleeve memberuntil the sleeve member is tightly engaged with the mounting flange anda flap pivotally mounted to the flap plate frame. With this structure,upon rotation of the flap plate frame prior to tight engagement of thesleeve member with the mounting flange, a pivot axis of the flap isadjustable, e.g., to provide the flap with a horizontal pivot axis.

The sleeve member may be removably connected to the mounting flange byarranging cooperating threads on an inner surface of the mounting flangeand on an outer surface of the sleeve member. Coarse threads may beprovided to reduce the number of turns required to thread the sleevemember into the mounting flange.

To enable the flap plate frame to be pressed against the wall uponrotation of the sleeve member into the mounting flange, the sleevemember includes a peripheral, outwardly directed rim formed at a frontedge and the flap plate frame includes an annular seat for receiving theperipheral rim.

Another embodiment of a vent for a duct terminating proximate a wall inaccordance with the invention includes a mounting flange adapted to beengaged with the duct, a trim flange engaged with the mounting flangeincluding at least one disc portion having openings and a rotary discrotatably mounted to each disc portion of the trim flange. Each rotarydisc is rotatable relative to the trim flange to vary correspondencebetween openings in the rotary disc and the openings in the respectivedisc portion of the trim flange and thereby vary flow through the vent.

This vent thus provides controlled flow obtained by rotating the rotarydiscs relative to the trim flange. The rotary discs also includeparallel vanes to enable the vent to control the direction of the flowof air therethrough.

The trim flange includes a cylindrical wall arranged in engagement witha cylindrical wall of the mounting flange to secure the trim flange tothe mounting flange. Specifically, the trim flange includes a centeraxle, spokes extending inward from a rear, peripheral edge of thecylindrical wall thereof to the center axle and a spring arm attached toeach spoke. The spring arms exert pressure against the cylindrical wallof the mounting flange when the trim flange is engaged with the mountingflange.

Other and further objects, advantages and features of the presentinvention will be understood by reference to the following specificationin conjunction with the annexed drawings, wherein like parts have beengiven like numbers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, maybest be understood by reference to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like referencenumerals identify like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an exhaust vent inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the exhaust vent shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the exhaust vent shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an exhaust ventin accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional front view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG.6.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the exhaust vent shown in FIG.5.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an exhaust vent inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional front view taken along the line 11-11 ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the exhaust vent shown inFIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an exhaust ventin accordance with the invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the exhaust vent shown in FIG.13.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the exhaust vent shown inFIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an exhaust ventin accordance with the invention.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the exhaust vent shown inFIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of an exhaust ventin accordance with the invention.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view taken along the line 20-20 ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a rear elevational view of the exhaust vent shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the exhaust vent shown inFIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of an exhaust ventin accordance with the invention.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 24-24 of FIG. 23.

FIGS. 25 and 26 are side elevational views of an eighth embodiment of anexhaust vent in accordance with the invention, with the main componentsseparated from one another.

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of a flap plate frame of theembodiment shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 25including a cover member.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the flap plate frame shown in FIG. 27without flaps connected thereto.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the flap plate frame shown in FIG. 27without flaps and including a cover member.

FIG. 31 is a top perspective view of the vent shown in FIG. 25 shownwith a circular mounting flange.

FIG. 32 is a bottom perspective view of the vent shown in FIG. 25 shownwith a square mounting flange.

FIGS. 33 and 34 are top perspective views of the vent shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is a bottom view of the vent shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 36 is a top view of the vent shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 37 is a side perspective view of a ninth embodiment of an exhaustvent in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 38 is a side view of the vent shown in FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a rear perspective view of the vent shown in FIG. 37. inaccordance with the invention, with the main components separated fromone another.

FIG. 40 is a rear perspective view of a tenth embodiment of an exhaustvent in accordance with the invention,

FIG. 41 is a rear perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of anexhaust vent in accordance with the invention,

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of an exhaust ventin accordance with the invention.

FIG. 43 is an exploded view of the vent shown in FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting flange andmounting bracket of the vent shown in FIG. 42.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numeralsrefer to the same or similar elements, a first embodiment of an exhaustvent in accordance with the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-4 anddesignated generally as 10. The exhaust vent 10 is designed to engagewith an open end of a duct 6 arranged in an aperture of a wall 8 of anexterior structure. For example, the exhaust vent 10 may be used toterminate a vent member arranged in an aperture of an exterior wall of ahouse and coupled at its inner end to a vent conduit leading from aclothes dryer. However, it is conceivable that the wall 8 may be aninside wall of a building and thus, the term “exterior structure” isused herein to designate any structure exterior to an exhaust gasgenerating device whereby it is desired to vent the exhaust gas from thegenerating device to another space exterior to or outside of the spacein which the generating device is situated.

The vent 10 includes a mounting flange 12 which is connected to the wall8, a trim flange 14 connected to the mounting flange 12 and flaps 16pivotally mounted on or to the trim flange 14. Flaps 16 have a closedposition in which they cover the opening of the duct 6 (see the leftside of FIG. 3) and an open position in which they are pivoted outwardto allow an air flow through the vent 10 (see the right side of FIG. 3).An open position of the flaps 16 is also shown by the phantom lines inFIG. 2. The pivotal movement of the flaps 16 to the open position iscaused by the air flow through the duct 6 which exerts pressure againstthe flaps 16 and causes the flaps 16 to pivot upward and outward andallow the air flow through the vent 10. When the air flow through theduct 6 ceases, the flaps 16 return to their closed position by theeffect of gravity. The flaps 16 will also tend to pivot upward anddownward upon variations in the air flow through the duct 6.

Mounting flange 12 includes an annular portion 18 which is designed tobe positioned against the wall 8, preferably in contact therewith, andan engagement portion 20 which engages with the open end of the duct 6.Engagement portion 20 includes an outer substantially cylindrical wall22 and a larger inner substantially cylindrical wall 24 defining a gaptherebetween which receives the duct 6 (see FIG. 2).

An attachment mechanism is provided to attach the mounting flange 12 tothe wall 8. The attachment mechanism may comprise one or more apertures26 formed in the annular portion 18 and screws 28 which are passedthrough the apertures 26 into the wall 8 (see FIG. 2). Alternativeattachment mechanisms are also envisioned, such as nails which can benailed through the annular portion 18 into the wall 8.

Trim flange 14 is connected to the mounting flange 12 so that the trimflange 14 can be rotated, after engagement with the mounting flange 12,until the flaps 16 are positioned in a position in which they pivotabout horizontal axes. To this end, the trim flange 12 includes acylindrical portion 30 having flexible snap fingers 32 which secure thetrim flange 14 to the mounting flange 12 yet allow rotation of the trimflange 14 relative to the mounting flange 12. Specifically, thecylindrical portion 30 of the trim flange 14 is designed to fit in anopening defined by the inner cylindrical wall 24 of the mounting flange12 with the snap fingers 32 engaging a rear edge of the innercylindrical wall 24 (see FIG. 2).

Flexible snap fingers 32 are formed by providing two axial cuts 34 inthe cylindrical portion 30 and an outwardly directed projection 36between the cuts 34 (see FIG. 2). Each projection 36 may have an angledfront surface 38 to facilitate insertion of the cylindrical portion 30into the opening defined by the inner cylindrical wall 24 of themounting flange 12 and passage therethrough (see FIG. 2). In oneembodiment, three flexible snap fingers 32 are provided and spacedequiangularly about the cylindrical portion 30. Instead of snap fingers32, other mechanisms for enabling rotation of the trim flange 14relative to the mounting flange 12 may also be provided, including thosedisclosed in other embodiments herein to the extent possible.

Trim flange 14 also includes an annular portion 40 extending from anouter edge of the cylindrical portion 30 and arranged against theannular portion 18 of the mounting flange 12 and a rim 42 surroundingthe annular portion 40. Rim 42 includes an inner wall 44 angled outwardfrom the annular portion 40, an annular wall 46 connected to an outeredge thereof and a cylindrical outer wall 48 connected to the outer edgeof the annular wall 46. The annular portion 40 and rim 42 are preferablydimensioned to overlie and cover the mounting flange 12 such that themounting flange 12 is not visible from the front of the vent 10 (seeFIG. 1). The entire trim flange 14 may be formed of an integral member.

To mount the flaps 16 to the trim flange 14, the inner wall 44 of therim 42 include pairs of opposite recesses 50, one pair for each flap 16,and each flap 16 includes a pair of mounting projections 52 extendingfrom a substantially planar body 54 and which are insertable into arespective pair of recesses 50 in the inner wall 44. The projections 52and body 54 are slightly bendable so that the flaps 16 can be bent inorder to force the projections 52 into the recesses 50. Instead ofmounting projections 52, each flap 16 can include a elongate pin withthe ends of the pin constituting the mounting projections.

The projections 52 are rotatable in the recesses 50 to enable the flaps16 to pivot about pivot axes defined by the projections 52. Since thepivot axes are preferably parallel to one another, the pairs of recesses50 are formed such that lines extending through the pairs of recesses 50are parallel to one another. Thus, the flaps 16 can all pivot abouthorizontal axes when the trim flange 14 is properly positioned.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flaps 16 are designed to completelyclose the open end of the duct 6. To this end, an upper edge of theuppermost flap 16, side edges of the intermediate flap 16 and a loweredge of the lowermost flap 16 extend beyond the opening of the duct 6.Also, the uppermost flap 16 is mounted to pivot about an axis definedentirely alongside the annular portion 40, and thus this pivot axis willbe situated above the top of the opening of the duct 6. Adjoining edgesof the flaps 16 are then designed to engage with one another, e.g., inthe form of a half lap joint with a notch 56 being formed at the loweredge of the uppermost and intermediate flaps 16 and a complementarynotch 58 being formed at the upper edge of the intermediate andlowermost flaps 16 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). When the flaps 16 are closed,the notches 56 engage notches 58 thereby providing an efficient closureof the duct 6.

In addition, each flap 16 includes a peripheral rim 16 a extending froma rear surface and which is arranged to contact the annular portion 40of the trim flange 14 (see FIG. 2).

To install the vent 10, the first step is to attach the mounting flange12 to the wall 8. Attachment of the mounting flange 12 to the wall 8involves positioning the mounting flange 12 such that the duct 6 isreceived in the gap between cylindrical walls 22 and 24 and thendrilling the screws 28 through apertures 26 into the wall 8. Whenattaching the mounting flange 12 to the wall 8, consideration does nothave to be given to the orientation of the mounting flange 12 relativeto the duct 6 to ensure that the flaps 16 pivot about horizontal axessince the flaps 16 are not fixed in place based on the orientation ofthe mounting flange 12.

The next step is to connect the trim flange 14 to the mounting flange 12by inserting the cylindrical portion 30 of the trim flange 14 into theopening defined by the inner cylindrical wall 24 of the mounting flange12. During this insertion, the snap fingers 32 flex inward as the angledfront surfaces 38 thereof initially contact the inner cylindrical wall24 and then slide along the inner surface of the inner cylindrical wall24. At the inner axial end of the inner cylindrical wall 24, the snapfingers 32 snap outward to thereby secure the trim flange 14 to themounting flange 12. Removal of the trim flange 14 from engagement withthe mounting flange 12 is prevented by the engagement of the projections36 of the snap fingers against the rear edge of the inner cylindricalwall 24. However, the projections 36 are rotatable along the rear edgeof the inner cylindrical wall 24 so that the trim flange 14 is rotatablerelative to the mounting flange 12.

The flaps 16 may be snapped into the trim flange 14 by pressing theprojections 52 of each flap 16 into the respective pair of recesses 50either before or after the trim flange 14 is connected to the mountingflange 12. When different shaped flaps 16 are used as in the illustratedembodiment, care must be exercised to place each flap 16 in itsappropriate position in the trim flange 14.

The final step is to orient the flaps 16 such that they pivot abouthorizontal axes. This is accomplished by grasping the trim flange 14,e.g., the rim 42 thereof, and rotating it to thereby “level” the flaps16 and attain the desired position. The flaps 16 will thus pivot outwardabout horizontal axes upon flow of air through the duct 6 and willreliably return to a position closing the duct 6 when the air flowceases.

A second embodiment of an exhaust vent in accordance with the inventionis shown in FIGS. 5-8 and designated generally as 60. Vent 60 includes amounting flange 62 which is connected to the wall 8, a cover member 64connected to the mounting flange 62 and a flap 66 pivotally mounted onthe cover member 64. Flap 66 has a closed position in which it coversthe opening of the duct 6 (see the flap 66 in solid lines in FIG. 6 andFIG. 7) and an open position in which it is pivoted outward to allowflow of air through the vent 60 (see the flap 66 in phantom lines inFIG. 6). The air flow through the duct 6 exerts pressure against theflap 66 and causes it to pivot outward and allow the air flow throughthe vent 60. When the air flow through the duct 6 ceases, the flap 66returns to its closed position by the effect of gravity.

Mounting flange 62 includes an annular portion 68 which is designed tobe positioned against the wall 8, preferably in contact therewith, anengagement portion 70 which engages with the end of the duct 6, and arim 72 which is connectable with the cover member 64. Engagement portion70 includes an outer cylindrical wall 74 and a larger inner cylindricalwall 76 defining a gap therebetween which receives the duct 6 (see FIG.6).

An attachment mechanism is provided to attach the mounting flange 62 tothe wall 8, for example, apertures 78 formed in the annular portion 68and screws 28 which are passed through the apertures 78 into the wall 8(see FIG. 6). Alternative attachment mechanisms are also envisioned,such as nails which can be nailed through the annular portion 68 intothe wall 8.

Rim 72 is substantially cylindrical and includes flexible snap fingers80 which secure the cover member 64 to the mounting flange 62 yet allowrotation of the cover member 64 relative to the mounting flange 62.Cover member 64 is thus rotatably connected to the mounting flange 62.In this manner, once the mounting flange 62 is secured to the wall 8,the cover member 64 can be connected to the mounting flange 62 with theflap 66 in any orientation and then the cover member 64 rotated toposition and “level” the flap 66 until the flap 66 is in a position inwhich it will pivot about a horizontal axis.

Each snap finger 80 is formed by providing two axial cuts 82 in the rim72 and an outwardly directed projection 84 between the cuts 82 (see FIG.8). Each projection 84 preferably includes an angled front surface 86 tofacilitate insertion of the cover member 64 into engagement with themounting flange 62 (see FIG. 6). In one embodiment, three snap fingers80 are provided and spaced equiangularly about the rim 72 (see FIG. 8).Instead of snap fingers 80, other mechanisms for coupling the covermember 64 to the mounting flange 62 while enabling rotation of the covermember 64 relative to the mounting flange 62 may also be provided,including those disclosed in other embodiments herein to the extentpossible.

Cover member 64 includes an engagement rim 88 arranged to be secured bythe snap fingers 80 between the snap fingers 82 and the annular portion68 of the mounting flange 62, and a hood portion 90 having an upperclosed section 92 and a lower apertured section 94 to allow air flowtherethrough. The hood portion 90 limits the outward pivoting of theflap 66. The shape of the hood portion 90 and the relative position andsize of the closed section 92 and apertured section 94 (and aperturesthereof) may vary depending on the particular design desired.

Cover member 64 also includes mounting brackets 96 which define holes 98which receive pins 100 of the flap 66 and slots 102 leading into theholes 98. Pins 100 are inserted into the holes 98 through slots 102prior to connection of the cover member 64 to the mounting flange 62.

Flap 66 includes a substantially planar body 104 defining the pins 100and a cylindrical spacing projection 106 arranged on a rear surface ofthe body 104. When the flap 66 is in a position in which the opening ofthe duct 6 is closed, the spacing projection 106 abuts against theannular portion 68 of the mounting flange 62 (see FIG. 6).

To install the vent 60, the first step is to attach the mounting flange62 to the wall 8. This involves positioning the mounting flange 62 suchthat the duct 6 is received in the gap between cylindrical walls 72 and74 and then drilling the screws 28 through apertures 78 in the annularportion 68 of the mounting flange 62 into the wall 8. When attaching themounting flange 62 to the wall 8, consideration does not have to begiven to the orientation of the mounting flange 62 relative to the duct6 to ensure that the flap 66 pivots about a horizontal axis since theflap 66 is connected to the trim flange 64 which is rotatable relativeto the mounting flange 62.

If the flap 66 is not previously attached to the cover member 64, thenit is now attached by rotating the flap 66 ninety degrees from theposition shown in FIG. 8 such that the pins 100 can be inserted throughthe slots 102 into the holes 98 in the mounting brackets 96. Once thepins 100 are situated in the holes 98, the flap 66 is rotated into aposition in which it hangs on the mounting brackets 96, i.e., in aposition in which the body 104 is perpendicular to a central axis of thecover member 64 as shown most clearly in FIG. 6.

The next step is to connect the cover member 64, with the attached flap66, to the mounting flange 62 by inserting the engagement rim 88 of thecover member 64 into engagement with the mounting flange 62. During thisinsertion, the snap fingers 80 flex outward as the angled front surfaces86 thereof are contacted by the engagement rim 88 of the cover member64. The snap fingers 80 slide along the outer surface of the engagementrim 88 until, at the outer axial end of the engagement rim 88, the snapfingers 80 snap inward to thereby secure the rim 88 in connection withthe mounting flange 62 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). However, since the snapfingers 80 only prevent separation of the engagement rim 88 from the rim72 of the mounting flange 62 and not rotation thereof, the cover member64 is rotatable relative to the mounting flange 62.

The final step in the installation procedure is to orient the flap 66such that it pivots about a horizontal axis. This is accomplished bygrasping the cover member 64, e.g., the hood portion 90 thereof, androtating it to thereby “level” the flap 66 and attain the desiredorientation in which the flap 66 pivots about a horizontal axis. Theflap 66 will thus pivot outward upon flow of air through the duct 6 andwill reliably return to a position closing the opening of the duct 6when the air flow ceases.

A third embodiment of an exhaust vent in accordance with the inventionis shown in FIGS. 9-12 and designated generally as 110. Vent 110includes a mounting flange 112 which is connected to the wall 8, a covermember 114 connected to the mounting flange 112 and flaps 116A, 116Bpivotally mounted to the cover member 114. Flaps 116A, 116B have aclosed position in which they cover the opening of the duct 6 (see theflaps 116A, 116B in solid lines in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11) and an openposition in which they are pivoted outward to allow air flow through thevent 110 (see the flaps 116A, 116B in phantom lines in FIG. 10). An airflow through the duct 6 exerts pressure against the flaps 116A, 116B andcauses them to pivot outward and allow the air flow through the vent110. When the air flow through the duct 6 ceases, the flaps 116A, 116Breturn to their closed position by the effect of gravity.

Mounting flange 112 includes an annular portion 118 which is designed tobe positioned against the wall 8, preferably in contact therewith, aninner cylindrical wall 120 extending to both sides of the annularportion 118 and a rim 122 which is connectable to the cover member 114.An outer cylindrical wall 124 is arranged around the inner wall 120 on arear side of the annular portion 118. The inner and outer walls 120, 124define a gap therebetween which engages with and receives the end of theduct 6 (see FIG. 10).

An attachment mechanism is provided to attach the mounting flange 112 tothe wall 8, for example, apertures 126 formed in the annular portion 118and screws which are passed through the apertures 126 into the wall 8.Alternative attachment mechanisms are also envisioned.

Rim 122 is substantially cylindrical and includes flexible snap fingers80, described above. Cover member 114 is rotatably connected to themounting flange 112 via the snap fingers 80 so that once the mountingflange 112 is secured to the wall 8, the cover member 114 can be rotatedto level the flaps 116A, 116B, i.e., to position the flaps 116A, 116B ina position in which they pivot about horizontal axes. Instead of snapfingers 80, other mechanisms for enabling rotation of the cover member114 relative to the mounting flange 112 may also be provided, includingthose disclosed in other embodiments herein to the extent possible.

Cover member 114 includes an engagement rim 128 arranged to be securedby the snap fingers 80 between the snap fingers 80 and the annularportion 118 of the mounting flange 112, and a hood portion 130 having anupper closed section 132 and a lower apertured section 134 to allow airflow therethrough. The hood portion 130 limits the outward pivoting ofthe flaps 116A, 116B. The shape of the hood portion 130 and the relativeposition and size of the closed section 132 and apertured section 134(including the apertures thereof) may vary depending on the particulardesign desired.

In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8, in this embodiment,there are two flaps 116A, 116B instead of a single flap 66 so that thesize of each flap 116A, 116B is approximately half the size of the flap66 (for the same size duct 6). Therefore, since the extension of theflaps 116A, 116B when pivoted outward is less than the extension of theflap 66 when pivoted outward, a reduced clearance in the interior of thehood portion 130 is required to allow the flaps 116A, 116B to openfully. The hood portion 130 can therefore be designed with a lower depththan the depth of the hood portion 90 (D2<D1). Generally, as the numberof flaps increases, the extension of each flap when pivoted outwarddecreases so that a hood portion with a lower depth can be provided (forthe same size duct 6).

Cover member 114 also includes pairs of mounting brackets 136 whichdefine holes 138 which receive cylindrical pins 140 of the flaps 116A,116B and slots 142 leading into the holes 138. The slots 142 on themounting brackets 136 of the cover member 114 are formed to enableinsertion of the pins 140 of the flaps 116A, 116B into the holes 138prior to connection of the cover member 114 to the mounting flange 112.

Reinforcing ribs 152 are arranged between the mounting brackets 136 andthe lateral sides of the hood portion 130 of the cover member 114 toreinforce the mounting brackets 136 when they are apart from the lateralsides of the hood portion 130.

Each flap 116A, 116B includes a substantially planar body 144 with thepins 140 projecting outward to sides of the body 144. A recess 146 isformed on the rear surface of the body 144. When each flap 116A, 116B isin a position in which the opening of the duct 6 is closed, the body 144abuts against the cylindrical wall 120 of the mounting flange 112 (seeFIG. 10).

In the illustrated embodiment, the flaps 116A, 116B are designed tocompletely close the open end of the duct 6. To this end, an upper edgeof the flap 116A, side edges of the flaps 116A, 116B and a lower edge ofthe flap 116B extend beyond the opening defined by the cylindrical wall120. Also, adjoining edges of the flaps 116A, 116B are designed toengage with one another, e.g., in the form of a half lap joint with anotch 148 being formed at the lower edge of the flap 116A and acomplementary notch 150 being formed at the upper edge of the flap 116B(see FIGS. 10 and 12). When the flaps 116A, 116B are closed, the notch148 engages notch 150 thereby providing an efficient closure of the duct6.

In an alternative construction of the flaps 116A, 116B, each flap cancomprise an elongate cylindrical portion whose ends constitute the pin140 and a planar portion which is attached to the cylindrical portion.

To install the vent 110, the first step is to attach the mounting flange112 to the wall 8. This involves positioning the mounting flange 112such that the duct 6 is received in the gap between cylindrical walls120 and 124 and then placing screws through apertures 126 in the annularportion 118 of the mounting flange 112 and screwing or drilling theminto the wall 8. When attaching the mounting flange 112 to the wall 8,consideration does not have to be given to the orientation of themounting flange 112 relative to the duct 6 to ensure that the flaps116A, 116B pivot about horizontal axes since the flaps 116A, 1161B areconnected to the trim flange 114 which is rotatable relative to themounting flange 112.

If the flaps 116A, 1161B are not previously attached to the cover member114, then they are now attached by pushing the pins 140 through theslots 142 into the holes 138 in the respective pair of mounting brackets136.

The next step is to connect the cover member 114, with the attachedflaps 116A, 116B, to the mounting flange 112 by inserting the engagementrim 128 of the cover member 114 into engagement with the mounting flange112. During this insertion, the snap fingers 80 flex outward as theangled front surfaces 86 thereof are contacted by the engagement rim 128of the cover member 114. The snap fingers 80 slide along the outersurface of the engagement rim 128 until, at the outer axial end of theengagement rim 128, the snap fingers 80 snap inward to thereby securethe rim 128 in connection with the mounting flange 112 (see FIGS. 10 and11). However, since the snap fingers 80 only prevent separation of theengagement rim 128 from the rim 122 of the mounting flange 112 and notrotation thereof, the cover member 114 is rotatable relative to themounting flange 112.

The final step in the installation procedure is to orient the flaps116A, 116B such that they pivot about horizontal axes. This isaccomplished by grasping the cover member 114, e.g., the hood portion130 thereof, and rotating it to thereby “level” the flaps 116A, 116B andattain the desired orientation in which the flaps 116A, 1161B pivotabout horizontal axes. The flaps 116A, 116B will thus pivot outward uponflow of air through the duct 6 and will reliably return to a positionclosing the opening of the duct 6 when the air flow ceases.

A fourth embodiment of an exhaust vent in accordance with the inventionis shown in FIGS. 13-16 and designated generally as 160. This embodimentof the vent 160 differs generally from the embodiments described abovein that the mounting flange is mounted to an inner side of the wall 8.

Vent 160 includes a mounting flange 162 which is connected to the wall8, a generally cylindrical sleeve member 164 removably connected to themounting flange 162, a lint grill 166 connected to the sleeve member 164and adapted to extend across the opening of the duct 6, a flap plateframe 168 which is pressed against the wall 8 by the sleeve member 164and a flap 170 pivotally mounted to the flap plate frame 168. Flap 170has a closed position in which it covers the lint grill 166 (see theflap 170 in solid lines in FIG. 14) and an open position in which it ispivoted outward to allow air flow through the lint grill 166 (see theflap 170 in phantom lines in FIG. 14). An air flow through the duct 6and lint grill 166 exerts pressure against the flap 170 and causes it topivot outward and allow the air flow through the vent 160. When the airflow through the duct 6 ceases, the flap 170 returns to its closedposition by the effect of gravity.

Mounting flange 162 includes an annular portion 172 which is designed tobe positioned against an inner surface of the wall 8, preferably incontact therewith, and a cylindrical wall 174 extending to both sides ofthe annular portion 172. Cylindrical wall 174 is dimensioned to fitwithin the open end of the duct 6, preferably with as small a clearanceas possible. Since the annular portion 172 is preferably flush againstthe inner surface of the wall 8, the duct 6 terminated by the vent 160does not pass through the aperture in the wall 8. Optionally, a secondcylindrical wall can be formed around the cylindrical wall 174 on a rearside of the annular portion 172 to define a gap therebetween whichengages with and receives the end of the duct 6 (in the same manner asdescribed above).

An attachment mechanism is provided to attach the mounting flange 162 tothe wall 8, for example, apertures 176 formed in the annular portion 172and screws which are passed through the apertures 176 into the wall 8.Alternative attachment mechanisms are also envisioned.

Another attachment mechanism is provided to enable the sleeve member 164to be removably attached to the mounting flange 162. Specifically,threads 178 are formed on an inner surface of the cylindrical wall 174and engage with threads 180 formed on an outer surface of the sleevemember 164 (see FIG. 14). Thus, once the mounting flange 162 is fixed tothe wall 8, the sleeve member 164 is rotatable relative thereto in viewof the cooperating threads 178, 180. Threads 178, 180 may be a coarsescrew thread connection.

The sleeve member 164 also includes a peripheral, outwardly directed rim182 formed at a front edge and a circumferential raised portion 184formed on an inner surface proximate the peripheral rim 182.

To connect the lint grill 166 to the sleeve member 164, the lint grill166 includes flexible snap fingers 186 extending rearward from a rearsurface which snap around the raised portion 184 of the sleeve member164. Each snap finger 186 includes an angled rearward facing surface 188to facilitate passage of the lint grill 166 over the raised portion 184of the sleeve member 164 (see FIG. 14). In the illustrated embodiment,four snap fingers 186 are provided spaced equiangularly around thecircumference of the lint grill 166. However, any number of snap fingers186 may be provided and other mechanisms for attaching the lint grill166 to the sleeve member 164 are also possible.

Anti-rotation lugs 190 are formed on the raised portion 184 of thesleeve member 164 with each snap finger 186 being received between apair of lugs 190. In view of the positioning of the snap fingers 186between the lugs 190, rotation of the lint grill 166 causes rotation ofthe sleeve member 164. The lint grill 166 is more easily rotatable sincethe installer can insert his or her fingers into the apertures in thelint grill 166 and rotate the lint grill 166 which causes rotation ofthe sleeve member 164. By contrast, rotation of the sleeve member 164directly is more difficult since the peripheral rim 182 must be graspedand rotated.

To secure the flap plate frame 168 to the outer surface of the wall 8,the flap plate frame 168 includes an annular seat 192 in which theperipheral rim 182 of the sleeve member 164 is received (see FIG. 14).The flap plate frame 168 is thus pressed against the outer surface ofthe wall 8 as the sleeve member 164 is rotated into the mounting flange162.

The flap plate frame 168 also includes an annular wall 194 surroundingthe seat 192, a rim 196 extending rearward from an outer circumferentialedge of the annular wall 194 and a cylindrical wall 198 extending inwardfrom an inner edge of the annular wall 194. Cylindrical wall 198 isarranged around the seat 192 and is adapted to be positioned in theaperture defined by the wall 8 (see FIG. 14). The sleeve member 164 isarranged in the cylindrical wall 198.

To mount the flap 170 to the flap plate frame 168, a cavity 200 isformed in the annular wall 194 and is defined by opposed walls 202 witheach wall 202 including an aperture 204. A pin 206 is passed throughapertures 208 in side walls 210 of a mounting portion 212 of the flap170 and positioned into the apertures 204 to thereby pivotally mount theflap 170 to the flap plate frame 168.

Flap 170 includes a substantially planar body 214 with the mountingportion 212 extending on one side thereof and a cylindrical spacingprojection 216 arranged on a rear surface of the body 214. When the flap170 is in a position in which the opening of the duct 6 is closed, thespacing projection 216 abuts against the peripheral rim 182 of thesleeve member 164 (see FIG. 14).

To install the vent 160, the mounting flange 162 is attached to the wall8. This involves positioning the mounting flange 162 such that thecylindrical wall 174 is received inside the duct 6, positioning themounting flange 162 against an inner surface of the wall 8 and thenplacing screws through apertures 176 in the annular portion 172 of themounting flange 162 and screwing or drilling them into the wall 8.

The lint grill 166 is then attached to the sleeve member 164 by pushingthe snap fingers 182 between the lugs 190. The flap frame plate 168 isthen positioned against the outer surface of the wall 8 with itscylindrical wall 198 around the cylindrical wall 174 of the mountingflange 162. Sleeve member 164 is passed through the cylindrical wall 198of the flap plate frame 168 and rotated into connection with themounting flange 162 via the cooperating threads 178, 180. At this time,the peripheral rim 182 of the sleeve member 162 is situated in the seat192 of the flap plate frame 168. Rotation of the sleeve member 164 maybe facilitated by inserting fingers through the apertures in the lintgrill 166 and rotating the lint grill 166.

If the flap 170 is not previously attached to the flap plate frame 168,then it is now attached by inserting the pin 206 through the apertures208 in the side walls 210 of the mounting portion 212 and then urgingthe pin 206 into the apertures 204 in the side walls 202 in the flapplate frame 168.

The next step in the installation procedure is to orient the flap 170such that it pivots about a horizontal axis. This is accomplished bygrasping the flap plate frame 168 or flap 170 and holding it such thatpin 206 is parallel to a horizontal surface. At the same time, rotationof the sleeve member 164 into engagement with the mounting flange 162 iscompleted to thereby tightly secure the sleeve member 164 to themounting flange 162 and the flap plate frame 168 snug against the outersurface of the wall 8. Rotation of the flap plate frame 168 will beprevented since the flap plate frame 168 is pressed against the wall 8by the sleeve member 164, i.e., sandwiched between the sleeve member 164and the wall 8. Proper placement of the lugs 190 will result in the lintgrill 168 being situated at the orientation shown in FIG. 15.

In this embodiment, the lint grill 166 may be removable by disengagingit from the sleeve member 164 without affecting the remaining mountingconnections, to enable a variety of lint grills 166 to be used, e.g., alint grill with a fine mesh or a lint grill with a coarse mesh.

Alternatively, it is possible to form the lint grill 166 and sleevemember 164 as an integral unit, i.e., as a one-piece construction.

Another embodiment of an exhaust vent in accordance with the inventionis shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 and designated generally as 220. Thisembodiment of the vent 220 differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS.13-16 in that the flap and flap plate frame are shaped differently.However, the same reference numerals of the embodiment shown in FIGS.13-16 will be used for the same elements in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 17 and 18. Thus, the vent 220 includes the mounting flange 162,sleeve member 164 and lint grill 166 as described above.

Vent 220 also includes a flap plate frame 222 which is pressed againstthe wall 8 by the sleeve member 164 and a flap 224 pivotally mounted tothe flap plate frame 222. To secure the flap plate frame 222 against theouter surface of the wall 8, the flap plate frame 222 includes anannular seat 226 in which the peripheral rim 182 of the sleeve member164 is received. The flap plate frame 222 is thus pressed against theouter surface of the wall 8 as the sleeve member 164 is rotated into themounting flange 162.

The flap plate frame 222 includes a rectangular, peripheral wall 228including two rectangular depressions 230, 232, a rim 234 extendingrearward from an outer circumferential edge of the rectangular wall 228(on all four sides of the rectangular wall 228), and a cylindrical wall236 extending inward from an inner edge of the rectangular wall 228.Cylindrical wall 236 is arranged around the seat 226 and is adapted tobe positioned in the aperture defined by the wall 8. The sleeve member164 is arranged in the cylindrical wall 236.

The formation of the depressions 230, 232 on the rectangular wall 228 issubstantially for decoration purposes only and various other decorativedesigns can be formed on the rectangular wall 228. However, theinnermost depression 232 is also designed to accommodate the flap 224 sothat the depression 232 should have the same shape as the flap 224. Inaddition, the shape of the flap plate frame 222 as a rectangle can bevaried, i.e., the flap plate frame 222 can be in the shape of an oval, asquare and other geometric shapes. Thus, in an alternative construction,an oval flap plate frame can be formed with an oval depression and usedwith an oval flap.

The flap 224 also has a decorative form including lateral channels 238defining three sections. Any number of channels 238 can be formed on theflap 224.

To mount the flap 224 to the flap plate frame 222, opposed side walls240 defining the depression 232 are each provided with an aperture 242.Projections 244 are formed on lateral sides of the flap 224 and arepositioned in the apertures 242 to thereby pivotally mount the flap 224to the flap plate frame 222.

Installation of the vent 220 is essentially the same as the installationof vent 160 as described above. However, the flap 224 is engaged withthe flap plate frame 222 by urging the projections 244 into theapertures 242 on the side walls 240 defining the depression 232 of theflap plate frame 222. Leveling of the flap 224 can now be performed byleveling the flap plate frame 222.

A sixth embodiment of an exhaust vent in accordance with the inventionis shown in FIGS. 19-22 and designated generally as 250. This embodimentof the vent 250 provides for control over the flow of air therethroughand direction of the flow of air from the vent 250.

Vent 250 includes a one-way washer 252 adapted to be positioned on aninner side of the wall 8, a mounting flange 254 which passes through thewasher 252, a trim flange 256 engaged with the mounting flange 254 and arotary disc 258 attached to the trim flange 256.

The washer 252 includes an annular portion 260 and a plurality offingers 262 extending inward from the annular portion 260. The fingers262 are designed to engage with a cylindrical wall 264 of the mountingflange 254 at an angle to provide a ratcheting effect and preventremoval of the mounting flange 254 after installation of the vent 250.

In addition to the cylindrical wall 264, the mounting flange 254includes an annular portion 266 extending outward from an outer,peripheral edge of the cylindrical wall 264 and which is designed to bepositioned against an outer surface of the wall 8, preferably in contacttherewith. Cylindrical wall 264 is dimensioned to fit within the openend of the duct 6, preferably with as small a clearance as possible.

An optional attachment mechanism is provided to attach the mountingflange 254 to the wall 8, for example, apertures 268 are formed in theannular portion 266 and screws can be passed through the apertures 268into the wall 8. Alternative attachment mechanisms are also envisioned.

Trim flange 256 includes a cylindrical wall 270 and an annular wall 272having a cross-sectional shape of a semi-circle connected to an outeredge of the cylindrical wall 270. Cylindrical wall 270 is situated inthe cylindrical wall 264 of the mounting flange when the vent 250 isassembled. Trim flange 256 also includes three spokes 274 extendinginward from a rear, peripheral edge of the cylindrical wall 270 to acenter axle 276 and spaced equiangularly around the peripheral edge ofthe cylindrical wall 270.

To engage the trim flange 256 with the mounting flange 254, a spring arm278 is attached, e.g., by a screw 280, to the radially outward end ofeach spoke 274 and the spring arms 278 pressingly contact an innersurface of the cylindrical wall 264 of the mounting flange 254 (See FIG.20). The spring arms 278 are shaped to allow easy entry of thecylindrical wall 270 of the trim flange 256 into the cylindrical wall264 of the mounting flange 254. Also, to ensure that the spring arms 278are placed in appropriate positions to engage with the trim flange 256,a locator pin 304 is arranged on each spoke 274 and the spring arms 278are positioned to contact the locator pins 304.

Instead of the spring arms 278, alternative mechanisms for engaging thetrim flange 256 to the mounting flange 254 can also be used in thisembodiment, including those constructions described above. For example,one of the annular portion 266 of the mounting flange 254 and theannular wall 272 of the trim flange 256 could be provided with snapfingers and the other provided with a cooperating structure to engagewith the snap fingers to retain the trim flange 256 in connection withthe mounting flange 254. In the construction of FIG. 20, when the springarms 278 are not provided, then it becomes possible to eliminate thespokes 274 and the center axle 276 from the trim flange 256.

Trim flange 256 also includes a disc portion 282 extending across theopening defined by the cylindrical wall 270. Disc portion 282 includesspokes 284 and openings 286 therebetween. The trim flange 256 may beformed as an integral structure.

Rotary disc 258 includes a cylindrical rim 288, a disc portion 290extending from a rear edge of the rim 288 and a plurality of parallelvanes 292 extending across a space defined by the rim 288. The discportion 290 includes spokes 294 and openings 296 therebetween.

The rotary disc 258 is attached to the disc portion 282 of the trimflange 254 by an appropriate attachment mechanism such as by inserting ascrew 298 through aligning apertures in the disc portion 290 of therotary disc 258 and the disc portion 282 of the trim flange 254 andthreading a nut 300 onto the end of the screw 298 (see FIG. 20). The nut300 is fastened but not tightened so that rotation of the rotary disc258 relative to the disc portion 282 is possible.

Alternative attachment mechanism for attaching the rotary disc 258 tothe disc portion 282 which enable the rotary disc 258 to rotate relativeto the disc portion 282 are also envisioned. For example, the spokes 274and center axle 276 may be provided to enable a screw to be insertedthrough the aligning apertures in the rotary disc 258 and the discportion 282 of the trim flange 256 into engagement with a threadedaperture 306 in the center axle 276. Thus, the spokes 274 and centeraxle 276 can be provided to support the spring arms 278 and/or enablerotatable attachment of the rotary disc 258 to the trim flange 256.Nevertheless, the spokes 274 and center axle 276 can be eliminated whenthe spring arms 278 are eliminated and the rotary disc 258 is attachedto the trim flange 256 using the screw 298 and nut 300. As noted above,elimination of the spring arms 278 would require another mechanism forengaging the trim flange 256 to the mounting flange 254.

A foam rubber ring 302 is arranged inside the annular wall 272 of thetrim flange 256 and against the annular portion 266 of the mountingflange 254 when the trim flange 256 is engaged with the mounting flange254. The ring 302 limits the penetration of the trim flange 256 into thecylindrical wall 264 of the mounting flange 254. The ring 302 may have acut in it to enable it to be placed in a cavity defined by the annularwall 272 and may also be shaped to conform to the shape of the innersurface of the annular wall 272.

To install the vent 250, the washer 252 is placed around the opening inthe wall 8 on an inner side thereof and the cylindrical wall 264 of themounting flange 254 is passed from the exterior of the wall 8 throughthe opening therein and into engagement with the washer 252. The fingers262 on the washer 252 are urged rearward (as shown in FIG. 20) and thisinhibits removal of the mounting flange 254 from the wall 8. If a moresecure attachment of the mounting flange 254 to the wall 8 is desired,screws can be placed in the apertures 268 in the annular portion 266 ofthe mounting flange 254 and drilled or screwed through the exteriorsurface of the wall 8.

The rotary disc 258 is attached to the disc portion 282 of the trimflange 254, e.g., by inserting the screw 298 through aligning aperturesin the disc portion 290 of the rotary disc 258 and the disc portion 282of the trim flange 254 and threading the nut 300 onto the end of thescrew 298. The nut 300 is fastened but not tightened so that rotation ofthe rotary disc 258 relative to the disc portion 282 is possible.

The trim flange 256, with attached rotary disc 258, is then placed intoengagement with the mounting flange 254 by inserting the cylindricalwall 270 of the trim flange 256 into the cylindrical wall 264 of themounting flange 254. The spring arms 278 engage with the cylindricalwall 264 and exert pressure against the cylindrical wall 264 to fix thetrim flange 256 in position. In conjunction with this engagement, thering 302 is placed between the mounting flange 254 and the trim flange256.

The final step in the installation procedure is to orient the rotarydisc 258 to provide the desired flow of air and direction thereof. Therotary disc 258 is rotated relative to the trim flange 256 to vary thecorrespondence between the openings 296 between the spokes 294 of therotary disc 258 and the openings 286 between the spokes 284 of the discportion 282 of the trim flange 256. If the openings 286 and 296 are incomplete correspondence, a maximum flow of air will be provided by thevent 250 whereas if the openings 296 of the rotary disc 258 align withthe spokes 284 of the disc portion 282, there will not be any flow ofair through the vent 250. Between these two extreme positions, anydesired position can be selected.

When the rotary disc 258 is rotated, the vanes 292 are also rotated sothat the direction of the air flow is also controllable.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19-22, there are six spokes 284on the disc portion 282 of the trim flange 256 and six spokes 294 on therotary disc 258. However, any number of spokes can be provided.

In addition, the vent 250 can be used for applications other thanventing exhaust air, for example, any application in which control offlow and direction of a fluid is desired including but not limited toair-conditioning and heating applications.

Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24, another embodiment of a vent inaccordance with the invention is designated generally as 310. Vent 310includes a mounting flange 312 adapted to engage with the duct 6 and tworotary discs 258 (as described above) attached to the mounting flange312. Mounting flange 312 has a generally rectangular shape and includesinner walls 316, a face plate 318 perpendicular to the inner walls 316and rim walls 320 extending rearward from the peripheral edges of theface plate 318. Face plate 318 includes two disc portions 322 eachhaving spokes 324 and openings 326 therebetween. For example, each discportion 322 may have six spokes 324 and six openings 326 therebetween,although any number of spokes 324 is possible.

To secure the mounting flange 312 to the duct 6, screws 328 can bedrilled or screwed through the duct into one or more of the inner walls316 of the mounting flange 312. Alternatively, the mounting flange 312can be attached to or engage with the duct 6 in any of the waysdescribed above in connection with the other embodiments of theinvention or can be attached to the wall 8 in any of the ways describedabove in connection with the other embodiments of the invention.

The rotary discs 258 are attached to the face plate 318 by anappropriate attachment mechanism such as by inserting a screw 330through aligning apertures in each rotary disc 258 and a respective discportion 322 of the face plate 318 and threading a nut 332 onto the endof each screw 330 (see FIG. 24). The nuts 332 are fastened but nottightened so that rotation of the rotary discs 258 relative to the discportions 322 is possible. Alternative attachment mechanisms forattaching the rotary discs 258 to the disc portions 322 which enable therotary discs 258 to rotate relative to the disc portions 322 are alsoenvisioned.

To install the vent 310, the rotary discs 258 are attached to the discportions 322 of the face plate 318, e.g., by inserting the screws 330through aligning apertures in the disc portion 290 of the rotary discs258 and the disc portions 322 of the face plate 318 and threading thenuts 332 onto the end of the screws 330. Then, the inner walls 316 ofthe mounting flange 312 are passed through the opening in the wall 8 andinto the duct 6 and screws 328 are drilled through the duct 6 into oneor more of the inner walls 316.

The final step in the installation procedure is to orient the rotarydiscs 258 to provide the desired flow of air and direction thereof. Therotary discs 258 are independently rotated relative to the face plate318 of the mounting flange 312 to vary the correspondence between theopenings 296 between the spokes 294 of the rotary discs 258 and theopenings 326 between the spokes 324 of the disc portions 322 of the faceplate 318. If the openings 296 and 326 are in complete correspondence, amaximum flow of air will be provided by the vent 310 whereas if theopenings 296 of the rotary disc 258 align with the spokes 324 of thedisc portion 322, there will not be any flow of air through the vent310. Between these two extreme positions, any desired position can beselected.

Since the rotary discs 258 can be independently rotated, it is possibleto have varying degrees of air flow through each rotary disc 258 andprovide different flow direction in the same vent 310.

When the rotary discs 258 are rotated, the vanes 292 are also rotated sothat the direction of the air flow is also controllable.

The vent 310 can be used for applications other than venting exhaustair, for example, any application in which control of flow and directionof a fluid is desired including but not limited to air-conditioning andheating applications.

Referring now to FIGS. 25-41, using a set of specific vent components,it is possible to form a plurality of different exhaust ventconfigurations. The components include a mounting flange which isengaged with the duct, a flap plate frame which is engaged with themounting flange, and one or more flaps which are engaged with orintegral with the flap plate frame. Optional components include a backplate which is arranged around the mounting flange and a cover memberwhich is engaged with the flap plate frame in a position over theflap(s). Various different constructions of these components are shownin the drawings and to the extent possible, all are interchangeable.

Referring first to FIGS. 25-36, mounting flange 350 includes a planarportion 352 having a circular opening, a duct-engaging portion 354extending to one side of the planar portion 352 and a substantiallycircular mating portion 356 extending to the other side of the planarportion 352. Duct-engaging portion 354 is dimensioned to fit within theopen end of the duct 6, preferably with as small a clearance aspossible. As such, duct-engaging portion 354 can be rectangular as shownin FIG. 31 or cylindrical as shown in FIG. 32, or any other shapecorresponding to the shape of the duct 6. An outer surface of the matingportion 356 includes a plurality of concentric ridges 358. The uppermostridge 358 may be flush with the upper edge of the mating portion 356 andeach ridge 358 is preferably separated from the adjacent ridge(s) 358 bya ring of the outer surface of the mating portion 356. The outer surfaceof the duct-engaging portion 354 may be smooth as shown.

Planar portion 352 of the mounting flange 350 includes one or moreapertures 360 through which screws or nails can be passed into the wall8 to provide for a secure attachment of the mounting flange 350 to theinner wall 8 around the duct 6. Alternative attachment mechanisms arealso envisioned.

Planar portion 352 may be formed integral with duct-engaging portion 354and mating portion 356 or separate therefrom. In the latter case, adifference in cross-sectional shape or size between the duct-engagingportion 354 and the mating portion 356 can suffice to enable the planarportion 352 to be appropriately positioned. Further, planar portion 352can be circular as shown in FIG. 31 or square as shown in FIG. 32. Thesize and shape of planar portion 352 can be selected to cover one ormore spaces in the wall 8 around the duct 6, including any spacesbetween the duct 6 and the cut-out in the wall 8 into which the duct 6extends.

A flap plate frame 362 includes a mating section 364 on a rear sidewhich connects the flap plate frame 362 to the ridges 358 on themounting flange 350. Flap plate fame 362 also includes on a front side,a rectangular depression 366, an inner rectangular wall 368 surroundingthe depression 366, a rectangular, peripheral wall 370 and aforward-facing rim 372 between walls 368, 370 (see in particular FIG.29).

Mating section 364 includes a series of arcuate walls 374 slightlyspaced apart from one another by narrow slits 376 and arranged along thecircumference of a circle, and each defines a series of beads or ridges378 on an inner surface. As shown in FIG. 32, there are eight slits 376circumferentially spaced around the circle. A different number of slitscan be provided, e.g., four or six. In the illustrated embodiment, thereare five ridges 378 on each arcuate wall 374 with each ridge 378 being asubstantially semi-cylindrical bead. The lowermost ridge 378 may beflush with the lower edge of the arcuate wall 374 and each ridge 378 ispreferably separated from the adjacent ridge(s) 378 by a portion of theinner surface of the arcuate wall 374. This separation, as well as theseparation between the ridges 358 on the mating portion 356, allows oneor more of the ridge(s) 358 in the mating portion 356 of the mountingflange 350 to be situated between adjacent ridges 378 and therebyprovide a secure engagement between the flap plate frame 362 and themounting flange 350.

Flap plate frame 362 is therefore attachable to the mounting flange 350by positioning the arcuate walls 374 around the mating portion 356 andpressing the flap plate frame 362 toward the mounting flange 350. Thiscauses the arcuate walls 374 to flex outward slightly (which is enabledby the presence of the slits 376 between the walls 374) and continuedpressure causes the arcuate walls 374 to pass over one or more of theridges 358 on mating portion 356 (although a plurality of ridges 358 areshown, a single ridge is possible as described below). The more ridges358 passed over by the arcuate walls 374, the greater the retentionforce of the flap plate frame 362 on the mounting flange 350, andmoreover, the smaller the distance between rear edge of the flap plateframe 362 and the planar portion 352 of the mounting flange 350. Thisretention force is caused by contact between the ridges 358 on themounting flange 350 and the ridges 378 on the flap plate frame 362.

The presence of several ridges 358 on the mating portion 356 of themounting flange 350 enables the distance between the flap plate frame362 and the mounting flange 350 (and specifically the planar portion 352thereof) to be variable, which enables use of the vent for varyingthicknesses of the outside structural wall, which will be interposedbetween the planar portion 352 of the mounting flange 350 and the flapplate frame 362. For example, in this embodiment, there may be a numberof ridges 358 formed on the mating portion 356 to provide for sevendifferent mounting positions of the flap plate frame 362 on the mountingflange 350. The size of the mating portion 356 of the mounting flange350 can be dimensioned to enable the distance to vary depending on themounting position between about ⅜ inch (in the innermost position) andabout ¾ inch (in the outermost position).

The number of different mounting positions depends in part on the numberof ridges 358 on the mating portion 356 so that for seven mountingpositions, seven ridges 358 would be formed on the outer surface of thecircular wall of the mating portion 356. A mounting position would bedefined rearward of each ridge 358 in which the lead ridge 378 on thearcuate walls 374 could be situated. Thus, for a four position mountingarrangement, four ridges 358 would be formed on the mating portion 356.To provide for the same range of variable mounting depths, the thicknessof the ridges and/or the space rearward of each ridge may depend on thenumber of ridges, e.g., four ridges could each be thicker than thethickness of the seven ridges shown, e.g., in FIG. 25 (compare to ridges358C in FIG. 41). However, the more ridges that are present on themounting flange 356 when the same range of variable depth adjustment isused, e.g., ⅜ inch to ¾ inch, the finer the depth adjustment can be.

Instead of one or more ridges 358 on the mating portion 356 and ridges378 on all of the arcuate walls 374, alternative structure for engagingthe flap plate frame 362 to the mounting flange 350 can be applied inthis embodiment of the invention, and such alternative structure isdisclosed below.

Flap plate frame 362 also includes screw holes 380 at its corners whichenable the flap plate frame 362 to be attached to the outside structuralwall or wall-like construction, e.g., siding, by inserting screwsthrough the holes 380 into engagement with the outside structural wall.

Flaps 382 are engaged with the flap plate frame 362 by insertingprojections formed at the sides of the flaps 382 into opposed pairs ofapertures 384 formed in the inner wall 368. The positioning of the flaps382 is aided by the presence of guide projections 386 arranged in thedepression 366 alongside the apertures 384 (see FIG. 29). As shown inFIG. 31, there are three flaps 382 and thus three pairs of opposedapertures 384 (see FIG. 29). Each flap 382 covers approximately ⅓ of thearea of the depression 366.

FIGS. 28 and 30 show an optional cover member 388 which is pressed intochannels 390 formed by the inner wall 368 and retained thereby. Covermember 388 has a size to enable pivotal movement of the flaps 382 in aninterior thereof. A vent in accordance with the invention can beconstructed without the cover member 388, i.e., with only the flaps 382as shown for example in FIG. 31. Moreover, if so desired, a vent inaccordance with the invention can be constructed without flaps 382 andonly with the cover member 388, i.e., when a covered outlet duct isdesired. Cover member 388 can be used in any of the embodimentsincluding a flap plate frame disclosed herein, with or without one ormore flaps.

Referring now to FIGS. 37-39, in this embodiment wherein similarelements to those in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 25-36 are designatedwith the same reference numeral followed by the letter A, a significantfeature of vent 392 is that mating section 364A includes a singlecircular wall 394 and a single bead or ridge 378A on an inner surfacethereof at its lower edge (see FIG. 39). Thus, there are no slits in thecircular wall 394. Flap plate frame 362A is attachable to the mountingflange 350A by positioning the circular wall 394 around the matingportion 356A and pressing the flap plate frame 362A toward the mountingflange 350A. The properties of the material forming the mating portion356A of the mounting flange 350A and the circular wall 394 of the flapplate frame 362A and/or the dimensions of the mating portion 356A andthe circular wall 392 can be selected to provide a slight resiliency toenable the circular wall 394 to pass over the mating portion 356A whileproviding a secure engagement between the flap plate frame 362A and themounting flange 350A which cannot easily be separated from one another.

In this embodiment, four ridges 358A are formed on the mating portion356A of the mounting flange 350A. This creates the possibility of fourdifferent mounting positions of the flap plate frame 362A on themounting flange 350A, i.e., between each adjacent pair of ridges 358A(three positions) and inward of the innermost ridge. The size of themating portion 356A of the mounting flange 350A can be dimensioned toenable the distance to vary depending on the mounting position betweenabout ⅜ inch (in the innermost position) and about ¾ inch (between theoutermost pair of ridges 358A).

Other features include the presence of a single flap 396 engaged withflap plate frame 362A which covers the entire area of the depression366A. Therefore, only one pair of opposed apertures are formed in theinner wall 368A. Variations from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 25-36 arealso present in the wall 370A and rim 372A, but these variations areprimarily for decorative or ornamental purposes. Mating portion 356A ofthe mounting flange 350A includes a series of ridges 358A which areshown somewhat larger than ridges 358.

Mating portion 356A of mounting flange 350A can be applied in the otherembodiments of a mounting flange herein, i.e., a mounting flange can beconstructed for the other embodiments with four relatively large ridges.Also, the circular wall 394 with a single bead or ridge 378A can beprovided as a substitute for any of the mating portions 364 of the flapplate frames described herein. Moreover, the circular wall 394 couldinclude one or more slits to form arcuate walls as shown above(described below).

Referring now to FIG. 40, in this embodiment of a vent 398 whereinsimilar elements to those in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 25-36 aredesignated with the same reference numeral followed by the letter B,mating section 364B of the flap plate frame 362B includes eight arcuatewalls 374B separated by eight slits 376B and not all of the arcuatewalls 374B have the same mating structure on their inner surface.Specifically, every other wall 374B has a plurality of beads or ridges378B on an inner surface thereof, e.g., five parallel ridges, and theremaining walls 374B do not have any ridges but rather are smooth. Thus,there are four arcuate walls 374B with ridges 378B serving as engagingor engagement springs with the mating portion 356B of the mountingflange 350B. Flap plate frame 362B is attachable to the mounting flange350B by positioning the arcuate walls 374B around the mating portion356B and pressing the flap plate frame 362B toward the mounting flange350B. The ridges 378B on the arcuate walls 374B bounce over the ridges358B on the mating portion 356B of the mounting flange 350B while thesmooth arcuate walls 374B simply slide over the ridges 358B on themating portion 356B. The presence of ridges 378B on only a portion ofthe arcuate walls 374B suffices to ensure a secure attachment of theflap plate frame 362B to the mounting flange 350B.

Mating portion 364B of flap plate frame 362B can be applied in the otherembodiments of a flap plate frame herein, i.e., a flap plate frame canbe constructed for the other embodiments with alternate arcuate wallshaving ridges.

Referring now to FIG. 41, in this embodiment of a vent 400 whereinsimilar elements to those in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 25-36 aredesignated with the same reference numeral followed by the letter C,mating section 364C of the flap plate frame 362C includes six arcuatewalls 374C separated by six slits 376C and each arcuate wall 374Cincludes a single bead or ridge 378C at its lower edge. All of theridges 378C together approximate a single radius bead aroundcircumference of the lower edge of the arcuate walls 374C, interruptedonly by the slits 376C. Flap plate frame 362C is attachable to themounting flange 350C by positioning the arcuate walls 374C around themating portion 356C and pressing the flap plate frame 362C toward themounting flange 350C. The ridges 378C on the arcuate walls 374C bounceincrementally over the ridges 358C on the mating portion 356C of themounting flange 350C. The presence of the single ridge 378C on eacharcuate wall 374C suffices to ensure a secure attachment of the flapplate frame 362C to the mounting flange 350C.

In this embodiment, four ridges 358C are formed on the mating portion356C of the mounting flange 350C. This creates the possibility of fourdifferent mounting positions of the flap plate frame 362C on themounting flange 350C, i.e., between each adjacent pair of ridges 358C(three positions) and inward of the innermost ridge. The size of themating portion 356C of the mounting flange 350C can be dimensioned toenable the distance to vary depending on the mounting position betweenabout ⅜ inch (in the innermost position) and about ¾ inch (between theoutermost pair of ridges 358C).

Mating portion 364C of flap plate frame 362C can be applied in the otherembodiments of a flap plate frame herein, i.e., a flap plate frame canbe constructed for the other embodiments with arcuate walls having onlya single ridge.

Installation of one of the configurations of vents described abovegenerally entails selecting a mounting flange 350 having a planarportion with the desired size and shape and then attaching the mountingflange 350 to the wall 8. This may involve positioning the mountingflange 350 such that its duct-engaging portion 354 is surrounded by theduct 6 and then placing screws through apertures 360 in the planarportion 352 of the mounting flange 350 and screwing or drilling theminto the wall 8. When attaching the mounting flange 350 to the wall 8,consideration does not have to be given to the orientation of themounting flange 350 relative to the duct 6 since the flap plate frame362 is rotatable relative to the mounting flange 350.

The next step is to finish the construction of the wall around the duct6 by placing an exterior wall or external trim construction, e.g.,siding, around the mating portion 356 of the mounting flange 350. Acut-out in the wall or siding is formed through which the mating portion356 extends.

The next step is to connect the flap plate frame 362 to the mountingflange 350 by positioning the arcuate walls 374 of the mating section364 of the flap plate frame 362 around the mating portion 356 of themounting flange 350 and pressing the flap plate frame 362 toward themounting flange 350. The arcuate walls 374 flex outward and around themating portion 356 while the ridges 378 on the arcuate walls 374 engagewith and frictionally slide over the ridges 358 on the mating portion356 The pressing action is stopped when the desired space or depthbetween the flap plate frame 362 and mounting flange 350 is reached.When the mating portion 364 includes a circular wall without slits (asin the embodiment shown in FIGS. 37-39), the resiliency of the circularwall or mating portion of the mounting flange enables the circular wallto slide over the mating portion.

After the flap plate frame 362 is connected to the mounting flange 350,or even possibly before the flap plate frame 362 is connected to themounting flange 350, the flaps 382 and/or cover member 388 is attachedto the flap plate frame 362. Once the flap plate frame 362 is connectedto the mounting flange 350, the flap plate frame 362 can be rotatedrelative to the mounting flange 350 to provide for the properorientation of any flaps. Thereafter, the flap plate frame 362 isconnected to the wall or siding by inserting screws through the holes380 into engagement with the wall or siding. This fixes the position ofthe vent to the wall or siding.

Referring now to FIGS. 42-44, another embodiment of an exhaust vent inaccordance with the invention is designated generally as 402 andincludes components similar to those described above in variousembodiments. Vent 402 includes a mounting flange 404 which can be thesame as or similar to mounting flange 350 described above in any of itsvarious forms. Vent 402 also includes back plate 406 having a circularopening and adapted to fit around the duct-engaging portion of themounting flange 404. Back plate 406 has a size and shape to coveropenings in the wall 8 at which the duct 6 terminates or rough parts ofthe wall 8 around the duct 6. Back plate 406 is held in place uponinsertion of screws through the apertures 410 in the planar portion 408of the mounting flange 404.

Vent 402 also includes amounting bracket 412 which is similar tomounting flange 60 except that it includes a mating section 414 on arear side which connects the mounting bracket 412 to ridges 416 on themounting flange 404. Mating section 414 may be similar to any of themating sections on flap plate frame 362 described above in any of itsvarious forms, and generally at least includes one or more beads orridges 418 attachable to the ridges 416 on the mating portion of themounting flange 404 and thereby provide for engagement of the mountingbracket 412 to the mounting flange 404. Thus, mating section 414 mayinclude a plurality of arcuate walls separated by slits as shown in FIG.44.

Vent 402 also includes a cover member 420 connected to the mountingbracket 412 and one or more flaps 422 pivotally mounted on the covermember 420 (seen through apertures 424 in the cover member 420). Covermember 420 is similar to cover member 114 which is capable of receivingtwo flaps. Alternatively, a cover member can be provided without anyflaps such that vent 402 serves as a simple covering for a duct. Covermember 420 engages with mounting bracket 412 in substantially the manneras cover member 114 engages with mounting flange 112 and the necessarystructure to enable this engagement is provided on both the mountingbracket 412 and the cover member 420, e.g., snap fingers 426 on themounting bracket 412.

To install the vent 402, the first step is to select the desired sizeand shape of the back plate 406, if one is being used, and then positionthe back plate 406 against the wall 8 around the duct 6 and attach themounting flange 404 to the wall 8. This may involve positioning themounting flange 404 such that its duct-engaging portion is surrounded bythe duct 6 and then placing screws through apertures 410 in the planarportion 408 of the mounting flange 404 and screwing or drilling theminto the wall 8 through the back plate 406. When attaching the mountingflange 404 to the wall 8, consideration does not have to be given to theorientation of the mounting flange 404 relative to the duct 6 since thecover member 420 and any flaps attached thereto are rotatable relativeto the mounting flange 404.

The next step is to connect the mounting bracket 412 to the mountingflange 404 by positioning the arcuate walls of the mating section 414 ofthe mounting bracket 412 around the mating portion of the mountingflange 404 and pressing the mounting bracket 412 toward the mountingflange 404. The pressing action is stopped when the desired space ordepth between the mounting bracket 412 and mounting flange 404 isreached.

After the mounting bracket 412 is connected to the mounting flange 404,or even possibly before the mounting bracket 412 is connected to themounting flange 404, the cover member 420 is connected to the mountingbracket 412. Once the cover member 420 is connected to the mountingbracket 412 and the mounting bracket 412 is connected to the mountingflange 404 (the configuration shown in FIG. 42), the cover member 420can be rotated relative to the mounting bracket 412 or the cover member420 and mounting bracket 412 can be rotated relative to the mountingflange 404 to provide for the proper orientation of any flaps connectedto the cover member 420.

In the embodiments described above with respect to FIGS. 25-44, themating portion of the mounting flange is shown with a plurality ofconcentric ridges while the mating portion of the flap plate frame ormounting bracket includes a substantially cylindrical wall, possiblysegmented into arcuate walls by slits, and one or more ridges extendingaround the circumference of the cylindrical wall or only on alternatingsegments. An alternative engaging mechanism for engaging the mountingflange and the flap plate frame or mounting bracket while enablingmultiple engagement positions (variable in the axial direction) would beto provide only a single ridge on the mating portion of the mountingflange and a plurality of ridges on the cylindrical wall of the matingsection of the flap plate frame or mounting bracket (or on all or only aportion of the arcuate wall segments of the mating section). Moreover,in this case, slits could be formed in the cylindrical wall forming themating portion of the mounting flange. Thus, the various constructionsof the mating portions of the flap plate frame and mounting bracketcould be used as the mating section of the mounting flange and viceversa.

While the invention has been described above with respect to specificapparatus and specific implementations, it should be clear that variousmodifications and alterations can be made, and various features of oneembodiment can be included in other embodiments, within the scope of thepresent invention. For example, mention is made of the use of the ventsdescribed above for adjusting the flow of exhaust air from a dryer. Itmust be appreciated that this use is an exemplifying use of theinvention and does not limit the invention in any manner. The inventionis considered applicable for other applications in which it is desiredto control a fluid flow such as air.

1. A vent for a duct terminating proximate a wall, comprising: a firstmember adapted to be connectable to the wall in engagement with theduct; and a second member connected to said first member and adapted tobe arranged in front of the wall, said first and second membersincluding cooperating attachment means which enable said second memberto be rotatable relative to said first member and said second member tobe engaged with said first member in a plurality of different axialpositions.
 2. The vent of claim 1, further comprising at least one flappivotally mounted to said second member such that upon rotation of saidsecond member relative to said first member, a pivot axis of each ofsaid at least one flap is adjusted.
 3. The vent of claim 1, wherein saidfirst member is a mounting flange and said second member is a flap plateframe.
 4. The vent of claim 1, further comprising a cover memberattached to a side of said second member opposite a side connected tosaid first member.
 5. The vent of claim 1, wherein said first memberincludes a duct-engaging portion and a substantially circular matingportion, said attachment means comprising a plurality of concentric,separated ridges on an outer surface of said mating portion.
 6. The ventof claim 5, wherein said first member further includes a planar portionhaving a circular opening, said duct-engaging portion extending to oneside of said planar portion and said mating portion extending to theother side of said planar portion.
 7. The vent of claim 5, furthercomprising a back plate arranged to fit around said duct-engagingportion of said mounting flange.
 8. The vent of claim 5, wherein saidsecond member includes a mating section, said attachment means furthercomprising at least one ridge arranged on said mating section andadapted to engage with said ridges on said mating portion.
 9. The ventof claim 8, wherein said mating section includes arcuate walls separatedfrom one another by slits and arranged along the circumference of acircle, at least some of said arcuate walls each having at least oneridge on an inner surface.
 10. The vent of claim 8, wherein said matingsection includes a single cylindrical wall having only a single ridge ata lower edge around the entire circumference of said cylindrical wall.11. The vent of claim 8, wherein said mating section includes arcuatewalls separated from one another by slits and arranged along thecircumference of a circle, all of said arcuate walls each having aplurality of ridges on an inner surface.
 12. The vent of claim 8,wherein said mating section includes arcuate walls separated from oneanother by slits and arranged along the circumference of a circle, onlyalternating ones of said arcuate walls each having a plurality of ridgeson an inner surface with other ones of said arcuate walls not includingany ridges.
 13. The vent of claim 8, wherein said second member is amounting bracket, further comprising a cover member attached to saidmounting bracket and including openings for air flow from an interior ofsaid cover member to an exterior of said cover member.
 14. The vent ofclaim 13, wherein said cover member comprises at least one pivotableflap.
 15. The vent of claim 13, further comprising connecting means forrotatably connecting said cover member to said mounting bracket.
 16. Thevent of claim 15, wherein said mounting bracket includes a rim at anouter periphery and said cover member includes a rim connectable withsaid rim of said cover member, said connecting means comprising flexiblesnap fingers arranged on said rim of said mounting bracket.
 17. The ventof claim 1, wherein said second member is a flap plate frame defining atleast one pair of opposed apertures, further comprising at least oneflap arranged in connection with said apertures to enable pivotalmovement of said at least one flap.
 18. The vent of claim 17, furthercomprising a cover member attached to said flap plate frame to coversaid at least one flap.
 19. The vent of claim 1, wherein said attachmentmeans comprise at least one circular ridge arranged on one of said firstand second members and a plurality of parallel, separated ridgesarranged on the other of said first and second members.
 20. The vent ofclaim 1, wherein said first member includes a duct-engaging portion anda substantially circular mating portion, said attachment meanscomprising at least one ridge on an outer surface of said matingportion.